2018 Toyota Tacoma Review

Name: 2018 Toyota Tacoma Review
Brand: Toyota
Price: 18900 USD

2018 Toyota Tacoma Limited Crew Cab Pickup Exterior

2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road Crew Cab Pickup Exterior Shown

2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road Crew Cab Pickup Shown

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Toyota Tacoma model years

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Toyota Tacoma types

Double Cab
Access Cab

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byWill Kaufman^{Senior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax
Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at Edmunds. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.}

Pros

Rugged off-pavement capability
Easily understood controls inside
Composite truck bed has movable tie-down cleats and power outlet
Top-level V6 can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission

Cons

Economy-oriented shift programming makes it feel sluggish
Driving position not ideally suited for taller drivers
Off-road emphasis produces tall step-up height

What's new

Newly standard advanced driver safety aids (Toyota Safety Sense P)
Four-cylinder engine's five-speed manual transmission no longer offered
Part of the third Tacoma generation introduced for 2016

If excellent utility and off-road ability are priorities for your next vehicle, the 2018 Toyota Tacoma should be high on your list. The wealth of available configurations means there's likely a Tacoma that fits your needs, and some of them provide an impressive degree of trail-busting capability.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma SR 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.05 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$179/mo

$210/mo

Avg. Compact Truck

Calculate my fuel costs

Alongside those specialized off-road Tacomas with their knobby tires, upgraded suspension and off-road driving aids, there are street-oriented versions of the Tacoma, too. Notably, even the more luxurious trim levels share their siblings' lifted stance. It creates a high step-in height and a slightly unusual seating position, but it also means every Tacoma is at least a little adventure-ready.

The Tacoma has some notable competition. The Honda Ridgeline lacks the Tacoma's rugged look, but it offers all the practicality of a pickup plus innovative storage options, a more carlike ride quality and a roomier interior. There's also the Chevrolet Colorado, which feels like a slightly scaled-down Chevy Silverado full-size truck in many respects and has a superior engine lineup. Overall, though, we think the Tacoma hits the spot for what most midsize pickup shoppers are looking for.

Notably, we picked the 2018 Toyota Tacoma as one of Edmunds' Best Midsize Trucks for this year for 2018.

What's it like to live with?

Want to know what it's like to live with a Toyota Tacoma long term? We did too. So we purchased a 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road and lived with it for nearly two years, putting 40,155 miles on the odometer. The 2018 Tacoma has received some updates, with some additional trim levels and standard safety features such as forward collision warning and lane departure alert, but it's the same generation truck, so most of our observations still apply. To learn more about the Toyota Tacoma, check out all the details in our long-term test, where we cover everything from seat comfort to real-world fuel economy.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

8.2 / 10

The Tacoma is Toyota's go-anywhere midsize pickup truck, living up to a legacy of tough and rugged small trucks that have thrived in every inhospitable environment on Earth. This Tacoma's well-mannered chassis and user-friendly interior make it a good daily driver, while its baked-in ground clearance and optional off-road equipment make it a go-to for backcountry adventures.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Crew Cab (3.5L V6 | 6-speed automatic | 4WD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Toyota Tacoma has received some minor equipment revisions. Our findings are broadly applicable to this year's Toyota Tacoma, however.

Scorecard

Overall	8.2 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	8.0
Interior	8.5
Utility	9.5

Driving

7.5

The Tacoma steers and handles with quiet confidence on the road, but the V6 engine and its automatic transmission don't always respond quickly to inputs. All 4WD Tacomas benefit from Toyota's off-road design emphasis, but the TRD Off-Road is particularly capable when the pavement ends.

Acceleration

7.0

The 3.5-liter V6 is preferable to the four-cylinder, but it is otherwise unremarkable. Our test truck accelerated to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, which is adequate for its intended mission but not class-leading. Low-rpm power is unimpressive.

Braking

6.0

Dependable stops are straight and true. In a panic the Tacoma will stop from 60 mph in 124 feet, which is good considering the soft off-road tires. But in typical driving, the brakes tend toward touchy and overeager, making it hard to execute smooth stops.

Steering

8.5

The Tacoma's steering always comes across as predictable and reassuring, with smooth and progressive effort as you guide it through corners. And it feels steady and connected when cruising straight, too. The chunky leather-wrapped steering wheel feels solid in your hands.

Handling

8.0

Body roll is gradual and restrained, and the Tacoma imparts a good sense of overall competence and coordination on the sorts of winding roads you inevitably need to traverse on the way to the campground, ski lodge or trailhead. It feels equally secure and sure-footed out on the trail, too.

Drivability

6.0

The six-speed automatic shifts smoothly, but fuel-efficiency-biased programming makes it reluctant to downshift. There is an ECT Power button that alters the shift points for more immediate response, but it must be reselected every time you restart the truck. A six-speed manual is available.

Off-road

10.0

All 4WD versions of the Tacoma do very well, but the TRD Off-Road has the suspension, tires and abundant clearance to go places other pickups, including other volume-selling midsize truck models, cannot. The locking differential, terrain select and crawl control systems are real advantages.

Comfort

8.0

The Tacoma has an agreeable ride quality, and the seats are accommodating. But the high floor tends to make tall drivers wish for more adjustability.

Seat comfort

8.0

The seats feel comfortable and supportive even though their adjustments are quite simple. Very tall drivers might wish for more thigh support because of the unusual driving position.

Ride comfort

8.0

The ride is notably smoother and less busy than in past Tacomas. Bilstein shocks and tall sidewalls of the 16-inch tires are adept at filtering out small road flaws, better in some circumstances than the Limited's 18-inch tires. Still, any blindfolded passenger will know this is a pickup.

Noise & vibration

7.5

The cabin is average for wind and road noise at highway speeds. Mechanical engine noise is nicely muted. It's not hushed like a sedan, but it's nevertheless a pleasant place to pass the miles.

Climate control

The standard system is very straightforward and easy to operate, with prominent controls that need no explanation. The airflow is good through the nice-size vents. An automatic climate control system is available as an option.

Interior

8.5

The interior is nicely laid out, with easily understood and effective controls. The cabin has plenty of space up front, but tall folks might disagree. The biggest shortcomings are the relatively tall step up to the cab and an odd driving position.

Ease of use

9.0

All switchgear is exceptionally easy to reach, understand and use, and that includes the automatic climate control, the 4WD selector switch, the crawl control system and the multiterrain selector.

Getting in/getting out

6.5

The Tacoma has a high cabin floor that is an outgrowth of its off-road design philosophy, which demands generous ground clearance. This makes step-in notably higher than in trucks such as the Colorado and Ridgeline.

Driving position

The Tacoma's high floor produces a legs-out driving posture that's more like being in a car than you'd expect. Taller drivers tend to notice this because the telescoping steering wheel doesn't have enough adjustment range, forcing them to scoot closer with knees bent more than they would otherwise.

Roominess

7.5

There's plenty of personal space in the Tacoma, but the front headroom isn't generous. You've got to be taller than average to notice, and if that is the case you might want to think twice about that sunroof. The crew cab's back seat isn't as roomy as rivals'.

Visibility

8.5

There's a clear view out in all directions, and the high seating position makes it easy to spot the front corners. The crew cab's rear windows are large, and the mirrors are a good size. The standard backup camera is a further plus.

Quality

9.0

The attractive interior features solid materials and construction. Numerous trips off-road failed to reveal any squeaks or rattles.

Utility

9.5

The Tacoma's composite bed has lots of smart cargo management features, and there's a decent number of places for items in and around the cab. Its tow rating isn't quite class-leading, but it isn't far off the mark. Child seat fitment in the crew cab favors forward-facing seats and boosters.

Small-item storage

Four cupholders reside between the front seats, and they can also hold small items. The shelf ahead of them is meant for phones, and in some trims it's a wireless charging pad. Glovebox, center console box and door pockets are decent-size. The rear seatbacks fold forward to reveal concealed bins.

Cargo space

The crew cab's rear seats fold to create a flat platform that can hold more cargo than a Colorado. Standard composite bed needs no bedliner and has rails with movable tie-down cleats, a power outlet, LED lighting and storage bins. Removable tailgate is damped so it won't slam when dropped open.

Child safety seat accommodation

The crew cab has two pairs of LATCH lower anchors and a trio of upper tethers. The former are recessed between the cushions, and the latter must be accessed by folding the rear seatback forward, which is a bit of a pain. Bulky rear-facing seats force the corresponding front seat to be slid forward.

Towing

8.5

A 4WD V6 Tacoma can tow as much as 6,800 pounds, which is a solid number for a midsize truck. The standard tow package includes hitch, wiring, extra cooling, a bigger alternator and trailer sway control.

Technology

We generally like the touchscreen audio system because it has large virtual buttons and employs knobs for volume and tuning chores. Supports smartphones with a proprietary Entune app instead of the more universal Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lags behind Honda Ridgeline in advanced driver aids.

Audio & navigation

The touchscreen audio and navigation system is easier to use than many competing systems because it has simple volume and tune knobs (though they could be larger). The graphics are clear, and there isn't much glare. Sound quality is respectable from the base sound system.

Smartphone integration

Bluetooth pairing is simple, but the USB-based smartphone interface requires you to install the Entune app on your phone to use some features. But the app is clunky to use and locks the phone for other purposes — even if it's the passenger's phone. The cabin contains just one USB jack.

Voice control

Models equipped with the touchscreen audio system such as our TRD Off-Road include navigation, phone and audio voice controls that do a reasonable job. Those with a paired Apple iPhone can press and hold the voice button longer to engage certain commands using the more sophisticated Siri interface.

2018 Toyota Tacoma models

The Tacoma is available in six trim levels. The entry-level SR is the work truck of the bunch, with the value-oriented SR5 offering more equipment and more choices. Next up are the very popular and well-equipped TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road variants. The two are identical on the inside, but hardware differences make the TRD Off-Road more capable when the going gets rocky. The more street-oriented Limited used to be the top dog, but that honor now belongs to the TRD Pro, a highly capable and fully equipped off-road machine.

Bare-bones isn't quite the right way to describe the low-dollar SR, the most modestly equipped Tacoma of the lot. Even so, it can be had with an extended cab with a 6.1-foot bed or a crew cab with a 5-foot bed, and you can choose between two-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive with a low-range transfer case. Its 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. For 2018, all trim levels including the SR gain forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control as standard equipment.

The SR is most easily identified by its dark grille and 16-inch steel wheels. But even this basic Tacoma comes with a sliding rear window, a tough composite bed that needs no bedliner, a movable cleat tie-down system, and a backup camera fitted in the tailgate release handle. Inside, the four-way-adjustable cloth seats have driver-side lumbar adjustment, and the steering wheel tilts, telescopes, and has control buttons that work with the basic Entune stereo, which supports Bluetooth and has a USB interface.

For most buyers, the SR5 is the better deal. In addition to the previous configurations mentioned, you can also get a long-wheelbase version that pairs the crew cab with the 6.1-foot bed. Outwardly, the SR5 gains a chrome rear bumper and a flash of chrome on its charcoal-colored grille. It's got foglights set into its front bumper, and the 16-inch steel wheels can be upgraded to alloys. Remote keyless entry becomes standard, its steering wheel is wrapped in leather, and the sliding rear window uses privacy glass. There's a 4.2-inch information screen between the gauges, and the enhanced Entune audio system supports satellite radio, smartphone-enabled navigation via the Scout GPS app, and Siri Eyes Free voice control.

Next up is the TRD Sport. It is offered in the same cab and bed configurations as the SR5, but it replaces the four-cylinder engine with a 278-hp 3.5-liter V6. All rear-wheel-drive versions use the six-speed automatic, but four-wheel-drive buyers can choose between the automatic and a performance-oriented six-speed manual.

It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, body-colored fender flares and rear bumper, turn signals in the mirror housings and, everyone's favorite, a hood scoop. There's a 400-watt power outlet in the bed, and the crew cab's sliding rear window is power-actuated. Automatic transmission-equipped trucks gain smart entry and push-button start, and all TRD Sports make the jump to full navigation via the Entune premium audio system's 7-inch touchscreen.

The TRD Off-Road offers the same configuration and engine options as the TRD Sport, and its truck bed and interior and audio trimmings are identical. Visual differences include a chrome rear bumper, textured black fender flares and the absence of the Sport's hood scoop. Off-road performance changes loom large in this trim, and these include knobby all-terrain tires on 16-inch alloy wheels, the deletion of the front air dam, extra skid plates, a lockable rear differential, Bilstein monotube shocks, and an advanced off-road traction control system with multiple terrain settings and crawl control.

Both the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road crew-cab models can be upgraded with a few option packages. Feature highlights include a sunroof, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, leather upholstery, and a JBL speaker upgrade and a subwoofer. It's worth noting that the stereo upgrade is not available on models with the manual transmission.

The Limited is the most civilized version of the Tacoma. It is only offered as a V6-powered crew cab with the short bed in either two- or four-wheel drive. It has body-colored flares and rear bumper, and it rolls on 18-inch wheels with lower-profile tires. It lacks the TRD Off-Road's specialized off-road upgrades and is instead upgraded with just about all of the Off-Road and Sport's optional features as standard equipment.

The TRD Pro is sold only as a crew cab with a short bed, and it comes only in four-wheel drive. The V6 engine is standard, but you can choose between the manual and the automatic transmission. It's equipped like a loaded-up TRD Off-Road but sets itself apart with special styling details, including a black throwback grille with "Toyota" spelled out in capital letters. Most notably, it has special Fox internal bypass shocks that give it more off-road capability as well as a tougher stance that's an inch broader and an inch taller.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#1 out of 8 among Midsize Trucks

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Toyota Tacoma from 2008-2022.}

$451/yr

vs. $451/yr
for Average Midsize Truck

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.64x/yr

vs. 0.79x/yr
for Average Midsize Truck

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

13.9%

vs. 13.6%
for Average Midsize Truck

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Toyota Tacoma.

5 (39%)

4 (18%)

3 (21%)

2 (13%)

1 (9%)

3.7

127 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Reliable

John, 06/22/2018

2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

When I picked up the new Tacoma it pulled to the right and the steering wheel was clocked way low to the left. Took two trips to the dealer to get the alignment fixed. The sill guards all stated to bubble and peel off within the first two months. At 5,000 miles the truck was almost unstoppable. When you pressed on the brake pedal it pulsated and the truck vibrated like it had hit a curb. …

1200 miles and disappointed.

Douglas, 09/21/2018

2018 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

I bought a 2018 Tacoma double cab 2 wheel drive on August 2018. I traded in a nine yr old Tacoma access cab 4 cyl for a down payment. I really liked the stance of this truck and was fun to drive on my test drive. BUT, there are several issues with this truck. Do not ignore the other reviews about transmission downshifting quirks or acceleration issues on open highways. This truck is slow …

Jerky engine

W,, 07/30/2018

2018 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Apparently Toyota continues to sell the 2018 Tocoma. knowing there is a computer problem with the fuel system. AFTER buying and bringing it back to the dealer with about 600 miles, to complain about a jerky acceleration and deceleration, was told that there had been several complaints, so Totota was aware of the problem but continues to sell it! After complaining at the dealership and …

This is not your Father's Toyota ...

stew Parris, 09/18/2018

2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Horrible experience with these people, they care nothing about loyal Toyota customers and do what is best for Toyota. Toyota was once a very good car maker but in the last ten years, they have become arrogant and self-serving. Their product suffers as well, the days of Toyota reliability are long over. My 2017 Tacoma has had an Entune problem since day one. The problem is well …

See all 127 reviews of the Toyota Tacoma

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2018 Toyota Tacoma videos

2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro vs 2018 Chevrolet Colorado Part 1

Edmunds technical nerds Dan Edmunds and Jason Kavanagh take an off-road voyage in the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. These are the two most capable midsize pickups you can buy for when the pavement runs out, but they each approach the task differently. Our goal…

2018 Tacoma Highlights

Type:

Double Cab

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$26,230
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$179/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	3,500 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Tacoma models:

Blind-Spot Monitor: Issues a visual or audio warning if the driver initiates a lane change when another vehicle is there or approaching rapidly.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Alerts the driver if traffic is approaching from the side when the car is backing out of a perpendicular or angled parking space.
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Warns of potential collisions with pedestrians or vehicles and automatically applies the brakes if the driver does not react in time.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover14.7%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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